MuCEM President and GM Suspended Amid Harassment Allegations
Pierre-Olivier Costa, who heads the European and Mediterranean Civilisations’ Museum (MuCEM) in Marseille, has been suspended along with general manager Véronique Haché. This action came after a report delivered to culture minister Catherine Pégard revealed employee grievances and allegations of sexual and moral harassment against Costa, which he denies. Pégard announced this suspension on June 30, stressing the need to restore trust. Anne-Marie Le Guével from IGAC will serve as interim president. Costa, who took the role in November 2022 and previously worked as Brigitte Macron’s chief of staff, is linked to President Emmanuel Macron. The staff union Sud celebrated the news, while preparations for a strike in June 2024 were mentioned by six elected officials.
Key facts
- Pierre-Olivier Costa and Véronique Haché suspended from MuCEM.
- Suspensions follow report to culture minister Catherine Pégard.
- Allegations of sexual and moral harassment against Costa, which he denies.
- Pégard announced Costa's departure on 30 June.
- Anne-Marie Le Guével appointed interim president.
- Costa is a protégé of Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron.
- Staff union reported 'cries of joy' at suspension.
- Criminal investigation opened by local district attorney.
Entities
Institutions
- MuCEM (European and Mediterranean Civilisations’ Museum)
- French Ministry of Culture
- General Inspectorate of Cultural Affairs (IGAC)
- Centre Pompidou
- Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC)
- Sud (union)
- The Art Newspaper
- Mucem
- Ministère de la Culture
- Inspection générale des affaires culturelles (IGAC)
- Le Monde
- AFP
- Parquet de Marseille
- Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)
- Ministry of Culture
- MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)
- Public Prosecutor's Office of Marseille
Locations
- Marseille
- France
- Paris